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J O I N T
R E P L A C E M E N T
What the future holds
Dr. McClellan and his colleagues at Advanced Center for Surgery are
collecting questionnaires from patients and analyzing data from their
cases, as are the few other centers in the country that are performing
same-day joint replacements. Although results haven't yet been published, preliminary findings show low infection rates and few complications with high patient satisfaction. In the meantime, insurers are
taking note. "We're working with some providers that want us to be
their exclusive outpatient provider, simply because they recognize the
quality and the cost savings," says Mr. Berkheimer.
Even though Advanced Center for Surgery follows strict guidelines
to select patients for joint replacement — patients must be highly
motivated, relatively healthy and between the ages of 40 and 65 — Mr.
Berkheimer foresees a time when the guidelines will be expanded to
include older and sicker patients. "In all honesty, this would be the
way I'd want to take care of an 85-year-old patient, with just 3 small
injections, no general anesthesia and no narcotics," he said.
"This is the future," adds Dr. McClellan. "This is what the architects
of Obamacare want: high-quality, cost-effective health care. This is
one avenue that's going in that direction." OSM
Ms. Pickles (ginnyp@medcomspec.com) is a medical writer based in the
Philadelphia area.
M A R C H 2013 | O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
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